Madison’s Successful Transition to Electric Buses
Jonathan Mertzig, a member of the Madison Area Bus Advocates, was initially skeptical when Madison introduced a fleet of 62 electric buses in the fall of 2024. Previous tests with electric buses in the city had not gone well due to operational challenges in cold weather. However, this time around, Madison’s electric buses have proven to be reliable even in harsh winter conditions.
Cities across the country have faced similar challenges while electrifying public transit. A study in Ithaca, New York, found that electric bus range can drop significantly in cold temperatures. With Madison experiencing an average of 18 days below zero each year, ensuring the buses operate efficiently in winter is crucial for riders like Mertzig, who rely on public transportation for their daily commute.
To address these challenges, Metro Transit installed overhead chargers on key routes, allowing buses to quickly recharge at several stops. Improved battery capacity has also extended the buses’ range between charges. Despite facing some maintenance issues and service disruptions, Madison’s electric buses have continued to operate effectively, even on the coldest days.
Madison’s transition to electric buses is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions and improve public transportation. With transportation accounting for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to electric buses is essential for achieving climate goals. Madison is among over 100 U.S. cities committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with electric buses playing a key role in this transition.
Metro Transit’s initial experiment with electric buses in 2020 helped pave the way for the current fleet of electric buses. While the first attempt faced challenges with battery and maintenance issues, advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the performance of the new buses. The buses now operate on key routes, including Bus Rapid Transit lines and popular routes near the university campus.
Buses on Route A can recharge during routine layovers using overhead pantograph “quick chargers,” allowing them to travel up to 258 miles per day. Plans to add pantographs to Route B would further enhance the buses’ performance and efficiency. Despite the winter weather, Madison’s electric buses have maintained their range, with only a slight decrease in battery capacity on the coldest days.
Overall, between 60 and 70 percent of the fleet is operational at any given time, with the remaining buses undergoing maintenance, cleaning, or driver training. Madison’s successful transition to electric buses demonstrates the potential for electrifying public transit in cold climates and sets an example for other cities looking to reduce emissions and improve sustainability in their transportation systems. The transition to electric buses in cities across the United States is proving to be a complex and challenging process. One of the biggest hurdles faced by transit agencies is the difficulty in sourcing parts for these buses, which are more intricate than their diesel counterparts and harder to diagnose when issues arise. According to a transit official in Madison, electric buses can experience problems with inverters, motors, wires, sensors, and other components that all need to work together seamlessly.
While on-route charging has been a successful solution for Madison, it may not be financially feasible for smaller cities due to the high cost of installing charging stations. Pantograph chargers, which are commonly used for on-route charging, can cost as much as $1.5 million, the same price as a single electric bus. However, despite the initial investment, on-route charging has proven to be cost-effective in the long run, as it allows transit agencies to operate fewer buses on a route.
The push for electric buses comes at a time when the federal government has reduced funding for zero-emission transportation initiatives. Only a small percentage of federal grants last year were allocated for zero-emission buses, reflecting a broader trend of decreased investment in clean energy projects. Despite these challenges, cities like Minneapolis, Duluth, and Milwaukee are expanding their electric bus fleets and embracing on-route charging technology.
One city that stands out for its progress in transitioning to electric buses is Missoula, Montana. With a goal of becoming entirely electric by 2034, Mountain Line, the local transit agency, has already replaced 90% of its fleet with electric buses. The city’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy has propelled it ahead in the race towards zero-emission transportation.
In Madison, operators and riders have had mixed experiences with electric buses. Operators have noted the benefits of regenerative braking, which helps in icy conditions by sending power back to the battery when slowing down. Riders have appreciated the smoother and quieter ride of electric buses, despite some challenges with accessibility and reliability. Overall, the transition to electric buses is seen as a positive step towards reducing emissions and improving air quality in cities across the country. I have heard people occasionally complain about the timeliness of buses, but personally, I have never had any issues with them, except for one snowstorm that occurred in March 2024. It was my first year using public transportation in the city, and it was dumping snow that day. The storm was so severe that it caused delays and disruptions in the bus schedule, leaving me stranded for a while.
During that time, the city had not yet rolled out its electric bus fleet, so most buses were running on diesel. This could have been a factor in the delays, as diesel engines can sometimes struggle to operate efficiently in extreme cold weather conditions. It was a stark reminder that even the most reliable modes of transportation can be affected by inclement weather.
In hindsight, I can understand why that particular snowstorm caused such chaos in the bus system. Snow and ice can make roads treacherous and slow down traffic significantly, leading to delays in bus arrivals and departures. It was a learning experience for me, teaching me to always be prepared for unexpected delays when using public transportation, especially during the winter months.
Despite that one incident, I still believe that the city’s bus system is generally reliable and efficient. The occasional hiccup is to be expected in any transportation network, and overall, I have found the buses to be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. With the introduction of electric buses in the fleet, I am hopeful that future disruptions due to weather conditions will be minimized, providing a more reliable service for commuters like me.
This article was made possible with support from The Neal Peirce Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting journalism that highlights ways to improve urban and regional transportation systems for the benefit of all residents. Their support allows for important stories like this one to be shared with the public, raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities in public transportation.
